The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
